| Homework
Hassles
Helpful tips to get you through.
by Nanette L. Avery Ed.S.
PARENTGUIDE News November 2005
Homework hassles; it’s a problem that has been
plaguing parents since the inception of school. Year after year, parents
have brought their concerns to my classroom and have asked for advice.
Although there is no panacea for eliminating homework hassles, there are
some effective approaches that have been advised by many experts and are
rather practical and helpful.
1. Allow the student to take ownership and responsibility
for their homework.
Parents should not take over. Convey the importance of school and homework.
Let your child know that this is something you and the family value. You
are there as a support system, to monitor progress. Parents who take the
responsibility and get that good grade for the child may be proud, but
who has truly earned the “A?” Remember, homework teaches a
child responsibility and the skills to work independently.
2. Become a homework coach.
Begin to help your child by deciding on a good homework routine. Where
will it be done; at what time of the day? Children need a study area that
is well lit and quiet; a place where siblings won’t disturb them.
They need to schedule homework into their lives like other important activities.
It is possiblee that the schedule needs to be revised because things do
come up— sports, outside classes, even relatives or guests staying
over for awhile. Changes in the house can occur and may alter the original
time and location. Simply pick the time with care. Remember, don’t
nag. A brief reminder is all that is required. Just monitor homework so
you know what they have completed and check for any teacher comments.
3. Become a guide, not the co-worker.
This does not mean that you have to take a totally hands-off approach.
Just remember to keep your involvement to a minimum. Talk over the assignments
and provide guidance by:
• checking over completed work.
• discussing ideas.
• demonstrating examples to problems.
• helping with directions.
• formulating a schedule for long range assignments such as book
reports and projects, into smaller workable parts. A monthly calendar
can help.
4. Provide an emergency homework kit.
To avoid any last minute “parent” stress, keep a handy homework
kit available containing routine supplies. This will keep you from rushing
out to the store at the last minute. Here are suggestions for filling
your “kit” with goodies:
Pencils, erasers, pens, writing paper, construction paper, ruler, colored
pencils, crayons, rubber bands, markers, a children’s dictionary,
glue, scotch tape and stapler. These items are age-appropriate for younger
elementary age students. You will need to modify your kit according to
the age of your child.
5. Consider your child’s learning style.
Not everyone learns the same way, and your child is no different. Though
this is not easy, take time to observe. Does your child get more work
done with someone else around? For example, he or she may enjoy working
with you nearby as you do work or read. Does your child need to visually
see things to understand or does your child understand hearing “the
directions” better than reading them?
6. Give praise; it’s a great motivator!
• Let your child know that you have recognized his effort to work
hard.
• Praise your child in front of others, such as a grandparent, for
his “great job” on homework.
• Make sure both parents are doing the praising.
• Be sure your criticism is constructive and specific. For example:
“Your spelling homework is so neat, I can tell you really tried
to use your best handwriting.”
Hope these tips are helpful and that you find that homework doesn’t
have to be a hassle!
Nanette Avery, Ed.S, is a Florida teacher and writer. Her works have
been published in over a dozen educational journals and magazines. She
is the recipient of two literary grants, and most recently presented at
the 2005 Florida Literacy Conference in Orlando. Nanette lives and teaches
in Miami, Florida.
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